Brown + Patton in the halves?
Jeez! add another number to the L column. 2nd game in and I am already depressed.

Its harsh if its an isolated incident, but it isn't. The 12 men in front, whoever misses the tackle should take the blame, correct. However, IMO this scenario has happened too many times. His tackling is shocking at times, so questions should be asked. Some may think i am being hard on Stef, but its just my opinion.

Wire to put a clear 12-20 on them.
We must be a better with a fit Patton than with an unfit Roberts.
Wire will improve on last week because of it.
Easy win.

No mate...it isn't harsh.
It's plain wrong!
The roll of a fullback isn't to drop in behind the defensive line. It's not like he's a goalie. He stays in the defensive line, perhaps marshaling it too. If he drops back the line is weaker.

He may drop back towards the later in the tackle count if he anticipates a kick.

The best fullbacks in our game do the least tackling, many of them being converted halfbacks.

Michael Withers fb at Bradford was told he was to make no attempt to tackle wherever possible by Mathew Elliot. The roll of the fb had changed to one of an attack spine of backs away from that of the traditional 6 and 7.

Well if Patton is in the halves tonight it really is last chance saloon for me,because if he doesn’t shine tonight then he will only ever be a back up half. He as had more than enough chances to cement that spot.

All i have heard about Stef,from someone who knows him, is that he only plays fullback because Smith asked him to do so as a stop gap after Hodgson left. Apart from Russell no attempt has been successful in getting a proven quality fullback.

Steve Hampson would have tackled him for sure, and Radlinksi to name just 2. Basically any full back with a modicum of tackling technique.

Agreed. He's been in and around the first team since 2015 and played 43 games. He is not a rookie.

If not now, then when?

Stef may be one of those players that can play a number of positions but none quite to the standard of a SL winning side specialist player. I like him a lot due to his attacking play and creativity but we tried him in the halves and centre. I'm running out of places he can play.

It seems you missed my whole point.

Ratch is firmly in the bracket of utility player.

I didn't, I read it and I don't have to agree with it.

For me the full back role has changed, but solid last line of defence against line breaks and being able to catch and field kicks are still essential requirements.